LATEST GREENLIGHT NEWS

TWO YEARS SINCE LAUNCHING MALTHOUSE GREENLIGHT, OUR WHOLE-OF-COMPANY ASPIRATIONAL STRATEGY FOR ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY, WE HAVE MADE CONSIDERABLE HEADWAY THROUGH CHANGES IN BEHAVIOUR, CULTURE AND OUR HERITAGE BUILDING.

Most recently, we implemented a number of operational initiatives to reduce carbon emissions. With assistance from Arts Victoria, a security system for the Malthouse facility was fitted with Solar charged batteries, and we have installed a state-of-the-art dimmer system in the Beckett Theatre to reduce heat discharge from the theatre lights, and this – in turn – has reduced the (high energy consuming) air-conditioning requirements of the theatre.

Fifty cents from each ticket sold to Malthouse Theatre productions has been invested in renewable technologies. Our most recent investment (to the value of $22,000) has been spread across two international projects certified by our partner, Climate Friendly. All of Climate Friendly’s offset projects are in addition to mandatory domestic government carbon reduction targets - assisting communities to build additional renewable energy infrastructures. In other words, these projects would not have been possible without contributions like yours.

Bienaihe Hydropower Stations, Yunnan province, China: Yunnan is one of the poorest provinces in China. Supporting these micro-hydro projects encourages the development of smallscale and run-of-river projects that can be realised without the relocation of any local communities or permanent significant diversion of rivers or tributaries – minimising environmental disturbance, and maximising electricity generation.

Anemon Intepe Wind Farm Project, Canakke province, Turkey: Currently, Turkey’s grid is heavily reliant on fossil fuels and requires strong international financial support to develop its renewable energy industry. This contributes to a reduction in pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and other particles by displacing fossil-fuel based electricity generation. It also provides significant employment opportunities associated with the operation and maintenance of the wind farm. The current unemployment level in Intepe district is as high as 11%.

Our investment in these international projects has offset the carbon emissions of our own activities while supporting communities directly affected by energy production in their traditional home lands.

In 2010, our Major Partner, Victoria University will oversee students from their Engineering and Science faculties in a review of our carbon emission reduction strategies.

SO MANY WAYS TO COLLABORATE

During the redevelopment of the Merlyn Theatre in January 2005, all seating within the venue was replaced with the luscious red ones you enjoy today. In 2007, HotHouse’s venue in Wodonga, The Butter Factory, made a commitment to seek a new – more comfortable – seating bank for their patrons, yet did not have the funds to purchase new seating.

With support from the CIty of Wodonga and Arts Victoria, HotHouse was able to recondition 160 of the best seats we had in storage and install them for the commencement of their 2009 season. Another good example of recycling, now part of our company's core business.